Painted Walls

Painted Walls is a reef dive site located at Dead Chest Island (Deadman's Bay) in the British Virgin Islands, reaching a maximum depth of around 40–45 feet (12–13 metres) and rated intermediate level. The site's name comes from the vivid, colorful sponges — orange, purple, and yellow encrusting organisms — coating the rock formations, giving the walls the appearance of having been splattered with paint.

The terrain consists of vertical walls, parallel passages, gulleys, and canyons. At the end of the third canyon sits a notable archway that, on calm days, can be swum through into a shallow pool beyond.

The site carries moderate swell, so conditions must be assessed before diving; it should only be attempted when conditions are good. Divers should bring a torch to properly illuminate the colors of the sponge-covered walls.